Starring: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld, Catherine Keener, James Corden, Mos Def
Director: John Carney
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Run Time: 104 minutes
Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars
I remember exactly where I was the first time that I saw “Once”. When I saw it it was still a film that no one heard of…and then it went to win an Academy Award for Best Song. “Being Again” attracted me because is the the latest film from writer-director John Carney, who also did “Once”. I love any film that includes music in it, especially good music…and especially music sang by actual actors. Wasn’t a huge Keira Knightley fan prior to this but she really won me over here. She had a fantastic voice and these songs work great for her. The film has a lot of heart and really draws you into the story. I really respect what John Carney does within in his films and his vision and respect for the music. Fantastic music, fantastic cast! Highly recommended.
Official Premise: Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are songwriting partners who go to New York City when Dave lands a deal with a major record label. But the excitement of Dave’s new-found fame affects the couple in unexpected ways, leaving Gretta unsure of her future – until Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a scruffy record label executive with a few problems of his own, stumbles across her performance on an East Village stage. Dan is immediately captivated by Gretta’s raw talent and unique sound, leading to a life-changing collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City.
Anchor Bay is releasing this film as a combo pack. There is a Blu-ray + Digital Copy included. The 1080p transfer captures the beauty of NYC perfectly, especially when they go on the tour mission to record the album. Really beautiful locations throughout this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works perfectly with the film’s music. There is a great balance of the dialogue and songs. The special features are a let down though. There is a short featurette “The Making of Begin Again” and some music videos Including Adam Levine’s “Lost Stars”.